Obispo cleared waivers after being designated for assignment and will remain in the organization. He holds a 3.80 ERA with 45 strikeouts over 45 frames at the Triple-A level this season. Thu, Aug 21, 2014 06:19:00 PM

Obispo was booted off the 40-man roster Wednesday to clear a spot for recently-claimed catcher Ramon Cabrera. Obispo, 29, has a cool 2.98 career minor league ERA. But control has always been a serious problem. Wed, Aug 13, 2014 05:10:00 PM

Pirates claimed RHP Wirfin Obispo off waivers from the Braves, optioned him to Triple-A Indianapolis.

Obispo was booted off the 40-man roster Wednesday to clear a spot for recently-claimed catcher Ramon Cabrera. Obispo, 29, has a cool 2.98 career minor league ERA. But control has always been a serious problem.

Obispo was added to the 40-man roster last November to protect him in advance of the Rule 5 draft, but he's a pretty marginal talent. The 29-year-old, who used to pitch in Japan, has a 4.66 ERA in 19 1/3 innings for Triple-A Gwinnett.

Obispo had a 3.00 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 91/43 K/BB ratio in 96 innings this past season between Double-A Pensacola and Triple-A Louisville (affiliates with the Reds). He'll serve as organizational depth for Atlanta.

It had been reported that he would be designated for assignment to make room for Jean Segura to rejoin the roster, but it appears they have skirted the roster issue for the time being. Look for him to return at some point in mid-to-late June.